Classy Omega Speedmaster in Sedna gold just got a gift for 2015 with the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Numbered Edition 39.7mm ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001. Disregard the totally odd-sounding name that doesn’t really help you understand the design inspiration for the watch and focus on just how beautiful this new Panda-dialed Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch looks. Slyly released at Baselworld 2015, this new Omega Speedmaster is going to be a hit for those collectors able to pony up the price for gold.

At that, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Numbered Edition 39.7mm watch is also often referred to as the “Speedmaster First Omega In Space,” and since I like that name better I will refer to the watch as that in this review as well.When it comes to Omega,the aesthetic inspiration for this version of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch was a watch worn by astronaut Wally Shirra in 1962 during the NASA Sigma 7 mission where he orbited the earth.When this was not the first watch in space (that was a Russian timepiece), that 1962 mission marked the first time an Omega was in space.Therefore, the Speedmaster “First Omega In Space” collection was born. As well interesting is that, according to information from Omega, Shirra purchased the Omega Speedmaster himself for the mission, and this was before there was any official relationship with NASA.

The most notable element is the “early” Speedmaster hands matched to Moonwatch style dial,whereas a closer inspection reveals a number of interesting qualities that should really excite some collectors. Each of those qualities have been carried over to this 18k Sedna gold version with the stunning dial.Because of the similar steel and gold versions,I am able to discuss some of the qualities that they both have. First is the case size which is a modest 39.7mm wide in a classic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch style case. Omega opted to pair them with brown straps, in this case, a lovely matte alligator strap with white contrast stitching. At just under 40mm wide, this wears a lot like a dress watch, making it good for formal attire and long sleeves,however it still has that classic Omega Speedmaster look which is perpetually desirable.

The luminant on the dial is very good (well, there really isn’t much on the minute hand), and in our opinion (thanks, David),in a way looks Star Wars-esque in the dark. With that said, the flat, polished hands aren’t as totally legible as you’d like in a Speedmaster. It isn’t that they aren’t legible,nonetheless they aren’t as legible as some other models. Given the sexiness of this two-tone black and white dial, this is something I can forgive with ease.

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch First Omega In Space is water resistant to 50 meters and has a specially engraved caseback with the Speedmaster seahorse and the “First Omega In Space Numbered Edition” text. The case size, of course, is on the petite side, given that the largest Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Co-Axial Chronograph is over 44mm wide. Those who want a great-looking Omega Speedmaster in a smaller size should certainly take a close look at one of these or the earlier steel model. I really like how this is both a dress watch and a sport watch, but with a kick-ass dial as well.

Most people already have familiarity with the Omega Speedmaster family as well as the various options included therein. This review is on the shorter side because so much has been said (by us and others) about the world of Omega Speedmasters. This is just yet another flavor in the larger world of Omega Speedmasters, and a particularly nice one – but for a price.

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “First Omega In Space” Numbered Edition (meaning that it is not limited but each piece will have a unique number in the series) 37.9mm in 18k Sedna gold reference 311.32.40.30.01.001 is priced at $18,000.